He lives by the law. She’s running for her life. After forensic accountant Beth Greenwood uncovers a money-laundering scheme tying her company to the organization that murdered her mentor, she knows she needs to go into hiding. With ruthless killers in pursuit, she’s forced to rely on homeland security agent Corbin Ross’s protection—even as his investigation suggests Beth is complicit in embezzlement. Can their uneasy alliance develop into something deeper—and keep them alive? No Safe Place has a fantastic blend of clean romance and intense suspense, with the strong elements of mystery balancing the fragile feelings developing between forensic accountant Beth Greenwood and homeland security agent Corbin Ross. I love the Love Inspired Historical romances Sherri Shackelford has written and got immensely excited when I saw that she has written romantic suspense as well. Her characters always have such depth, they are well developed, they are people you want to spend time with and cheer for. Beth and Corbin both fit that description, as well - I simply adored them! I loved how smart they both were, their strong faith, raw honesty, and willingness to be vulnerable with each other. There were dote frailness and tenderness between them, and the relationship developing in between them because of the lines they could not cross due to Corbin's job and Beth's questionable actions in the beginning. But those feels were real, they were believable, and the ache they had for the chance to get to know each other just melted my heart. The way the story was built, it gave them a chance to get to know each other, to make the romance realistic, as well as time to make all those emotions take root. The mysterious suspense and fierce action, the deadly attempts on their lives, kept the tale real, on the edge, and hopping. Nothing was obvious, each twist of the plot kept the guessing game strong, and the key answers to the mystery hidden until the heart-stopping crescendo. If you love fervent, vehement suspense mixed into the clean romance stories between strong characters in well-plotted tales, No Safe Place is a must-read that I can easily recommend. Also, a perfect book to try Love Inspired line of books, if you haven't before. ~ Five Spoons
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Her life depends on his protection His heart depends on her survival Sheriff Egan McCall hasn’t forgiven Jordan Gentry for her role in the death of his fiancée. But when Jordan is attacked, Egan comes to her rescue and discovers a serial killer is targeting recipients of his late fiancée’s organs. Then Egan’s protective instincts—and long-buried feelings—kick in. Wearing a badge means his priority is stopping a murderer and safeguarding a target. If only he could also ignore the sizzling attraction between them… An explosive, danger-filled story that kept me guessing and my heart pounding. Delores Fossen has the talent to write suspense stories filled with up close and deadly non-stop action, with constant twists that keep the story raveling in a tangled spin, and the readers on the edge. I absolutely love it when my conclusions are proven wrong time and again, keeping me clued into the tale, making it unputdownable. The suspense and romance stories are well built into the series so that the immediate threat is solved yet the constant deadly danger hang close by. Sheriff Egan McCall and Jordan Gentry have convoluted past. What makes the current situation even more awkward is the burning attraction both of them still feel for each other. They have no room for distraction with their lives in peril, yet with each and every deadly attempt on their lives, the old feelings come closer to the surface, and the situation, emotions, attraction between them comes unavoidably force, that no one can ignore. The speed of the events is high, and it feels like everything happen in one moment of deep inhale. The number of possible culprits keeps the situation jittery, not knowing who to trust or what motivates the killer puts everyone's lives in danger, grinding the nerves, and honing the feels and hunches. Another rapid-fire, edgy, and explosive romantic suspense tale from an author who knows how to keep readers hooked on the tale and wanting for more, I have an inkling the conclusion to the series will be as intense and explosive... ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Steam
Yoga instructor Louise Pine is the ultimate caretaker. Everyone around her seems to have an emergency, but Lou hasn’t met a fire she couldn’t put out—until she’s faced with the hunky, bossy firefighter who crashes into her own backyard—and her life. No one tells Lou what to do, yet somehow the guy’s take-charge style makes her tingle . . . Simmer Phoenix “Nix” Jones is used to calling the shots, whether he’s dealing with his younger siblings or taking on a dangerous blaze. Luckily, the fire at Lou’s is a false alarm. But the heat the fit and feisty woman ignites is far from dying out . . . Afterglow As the sparks turn into 5-alarm passion, can two strong-willed people end up engulfed by love—or will they crash and burn?
A sizzling hot, fun, and quick read with plenty of intriguing points brought up, from charming characters and their dysfunctional families to the stress of loving a firefighter, and the dangers that lay within the job.
Louise Pine is a loyal, caring, kind, and hardworking woman. She has a big heart, dirty mouth, and a family that drives her mad. She is no prude, by any means, but she is not looking for a relationship at the moment, yet one has landed into her life and is not thinking about moving out. Phoenix “Nix” Jones is a man who needs to be in control and in charge of everything affecting his life. He used to sleep around more than most, yet lately, he has felt the desire for settling down, finding the one, falling in love. He grew up as an only child for a single mom (despite what the blurb informs) and he is not used to sharing his life, the challenges of his job, or his home with anyone. The chemistry between Nix and Louise is tangible, the detailed sex scenes proving the connection between them to be true. Nix's interest and need of being in control, a little spanking, some toys, and ropes come clear yet it is done tastefully and the story doesn't go too deep into the world of S/M. I truly enjoyed the story, the characters easily won me over with their wit and charm. It is a delightfully sexy tale yet it has some serious points in the backstory that brought some 'meat' into the pages. There's absolutely nothing I didn't like about the book, but all the possibilities to dig even deeper with the dysfunctional family issues, dangers to the firefighter's job, Nix's need for control, or even the conflict arising between Nix and Louise, were not taken advantage of and thus the scoring of four Spoons. But it is great as it is; an entertaining, tantalizing, and engaging tale! ~ Four Spoons
Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Ryan
Series Wild Rose Ranch Genre Adult Contemporary Romance Publisher Avon Books Publication Date December 18, 2018
Meet the women from Wild Rose Ranch—and the men who want them—in New York Times Bestselling Author Jennifer Ryan’s breathtaking series of romance and scandal . . .
Noah Cordero is a modern-day cowboy who loves three things: ranching, his younger sister, and his step-father. John Cordero groomed Noah to take over the Montana spread where he learned to ride and work the land. But when John unexpectedly dies, he leaves half the ranch to a woman Noah doesn’t even know. Roxy shares Noah’s last name, but not his blood. Estranged from her father, haunted by regrets, and eager to escape her notorious mother’s past, she is forced to fulfill her father’s last wishes. Inheriting means sharing a home with infuriating, challenging, and oh-so-tempting Noah. But John didn’t just make her owner of his ranch and guardian to her sister, his hidden sideline is her worst nightmare—she’s the new owner of the notorious Nevada brothel called Wild Rose Ranch where she grew up. As their strictly business relationship starts to turn to true love, Roxy begins to wonder, what will happen when Noah discovers her dirty little secret? “Noah...” God, the way she said his name. “It’s late and I’m exhausted. Can this wait?” “Uh, thank you. For my room. I, uh, really appreciate it.” He ran a hand through his hair, uncomfortable under her penetrating gaze. “How’d that taste coming out of your mouth. You thanking me for anything after John left me half of your ranch and home.” “Like horse shit.” Not really because the thing was, she got it. Despite the fact she had to be jealous as hell that he’d grown up here with John, she understood his anger and resentment. She had a side. He had a side. And she was willing to concede that his feelings mattered just as much as hers. She laughed and the sound went right to his belly and tied it in knots. Unable to fight it any longer, he closed the distance between them and with one hand sliding to the back of her neck, his fingers buried in the thick mass of silky hair, he pulled her lips to his. She smelled of paint with a hint of flowers, like the ones she’d left by his bed. Their smell teased him all night and made him think of her. His instinct was to devour, but he felt her tense and her eyes went wide. Watching her, he brushed his lips against hers. Once. Twice. With barely a touch, he tasted a hint of the sweet grapes she’d eaten. She stood perfectly still, her breath washed over his mouth from her slightly parted lips. “I thought we agreed this wasn’t a good idea.” “We both lied about that.” He kissed her softly again, lingering over the sweet torment. He could take the kiss deeper, have her wrapped in his arms, and begging for him to take her to bed. He saw the hunger to match his own in her eyes, but he also caught the slight hesitation and a trace of—not exactly fear, but doubt. About what, he didn’t know. He didn’t believe Roxy was afraid of anything. She’d left her old life and moved to a stranger’s house because a young girl needed her. That took guts, knowing her welcome wasn’t exactly friendly, at least on his part. Instead of taking what he wanted, he gave in to instinct and pressed his mouth to hers in a soft undemanding kiss that was warm and sweet and unrushed. He didn’t pull her closer, but enjoyed the feel of her mouth against his, the way her eyes fluttered closed as she sank into the kiss and the moment with him, and the brush of the hard tips of her breasts barely skimming the hard muscles of his chest as her breathing deepened. Time stopped. He withdrew slowly and she leaned into him, her mouth following his until they broke the kiss. Her eyes flew open and studied him. “Thank you for putting the smile back on Annabelle’s face.” “You’re welcome. She’s a great kid. I like her.” The soft smile told him she meant it. “Good night, Noah.” She stepped back and his hand slid out of her silky hair and across her soft skin along her neck. “Night.” He stood rooted to the floor and watched her leave, aching to go after her.
Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of DIRTY LITTLE SECRET by Jennifer Ryan, we’re giving away one paperback copy of the book! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Ryan. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 12/30/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copy out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Jennifer RyanJENNIFER RYAN is the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted, McBride, and Montana Men series. She writes suspenseful contemporary romances with outrageous plot twists, deeply emotional love stories, high stakes and higher drama. Her stories are filled with love, family, friendship, and the happily-ever- after we all hope to find. Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon
The Nashville Bet by Shana Gray
Series Girls Weekend Away Genre Adult Contemporary Romance Publisher Entangled Amara Publication Date December 18, 2018
In the first warm, funny and romantic novel in the Girls Weekend Away series, four best friends embark on the ultimate girls' getaway filled with hijinks and a sprinkling of romance. For any fan of Bridesmaids and Sex and the City and readers of Jo Watson, Lauren Layne, Joanna Bolouri and Cate Woods.
When the cop... Tough-as-nails detective Bonni Connolly is on a girls' getaway in Vegas with her friends, when Lady Luck shines on her. Seizing the chance to treat them all, Bonni splurges on a little luxury including a VIP booth in an exclusive club. That's when she sees him. Meets the gambler... Professional poker player Quinn Bryant is in town for one of the largest tournaments of the year. Fortune smiles on him when he spots Bonni across the dance floor. But what starts as a holiday fling soon turns into something more, as Bonni learns to see the man behind the poker face. The stakes have never been higher. Even though Bonni's trip has an end date and there is another tournament calling Quinn's name, their strong connection surprises them both. And by the end of the weekend they start to wonder if what happens in Vegas doesn't have to stay there...
Chapter One
The plane began descending and Ava wriggled a little with excitement in her seat, earning a strange look from the college kid next to her. Most travelers preferred the aisle seat so that they could get out easily, but not Ava. She loved to see where she was going, all the new possibilities and adventures that were awaiting her. This particular trip was going to be off-the-charts fun! Nashville and CMA Fest had been on her bucket list for a while. There would be multiple stages, many different performers and all the country music she could ever want! Flight attendants did another pass of the aisles and she handed over her soda can to be recycled. Had to do her bit to save planet Earth! The plane twitched in the sky with a bit of turbulence and Ava gripped her knees. She loved to fly because it took her places, but she preferred the skies to be calm. Otherwise, she got a little nervous and every noise the plane made was the sound of impending doom. She gazed out the window, taking deep breaths to calm herself, and thought of her friends, the sisters of her heart, her college buddies. Everything had been rather last minute. Her boss, David, had booked a kick-ass suite for CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium, but a sudden family emergency meant he couldn’t go. He offered the suite to Ava and told her that he’d finagle extra tickets for her friends as a thank-you for her work on their latest project. Ava had been all over that and her friends had jumped at the chance to watch amazing country acts in luxurious—and air-conditioned—comfort. Ava loved all music, and Celia, Bonni and Fredi also loved country music so Ava had no doubt this trip was going to be a blast. Celia and Bonni had taken over planning the itinerary. It made her friends happy to be in control of things so, since it didn’t matter as much to her, Ava was fine going along with the flow. Tonight they were killing two birds with one stone by going line dancing and meeting up with the guy with the extra tickets. He was a friend of a friend of David’s who apparently lived in the area. It was going to be a whirlwind trip, really. The CMA Fest ran until Saturday with three days of concerts in many different locations. Ava knew they wouldn’t be able to see all of them, but it sure was going to be fun! Bonni had made noises about “Why can’t this guy just leave us the tickets at the hotel?” but Ava didn’t mind. She knew everything would work itself out. Besides, she had his contact info just in case something went awry. The plane leveled out as it continued its descent. The sun was low in the sky and Ava saw shards of its golden light glinting off miniature-looking buildings through the window. Seeing Nashville on the horizon filled her with a powerful sense of “coming home.” Ava had happily grown up country in a small farming town out in the Midwest, but college, and her friends, had shown her a bigger world. There was so much to see, to explore. She still went home for holidays, though, but that time was spent catching up with her family and finding out the latest news, not going to the nearest honky-tonk and cutting loose. She was looking forward to reconnecting with her roots. As a child, Ava had sat in her grandfather’s workshop while he puttered about doing some woodwork and old-school country music played through tinny speakers, accompanied by the sound of sandpaper against wood. She couldn’t hear Patsy Cline without thinking of him. Ava still preferred the big female country artists like Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert and Faith Hill. There was no denying, though, that country music was still dominated by the boys. Many of the so-called “bro-country” songs didn’t appeal to her at all. The college kid leaned forward to push his backpack more securely underneath the seat in front of him. When he sat back, his legs spread wide, and Ava moved closer to the plane’s wall to avoid touching him. She was sure he didn’t mean to manspread, and they were almost on the ground so it wasn’t worth the awkward conversation to ask him to move back into his space. Still, this was just another sign that there were no more considerate gentlemen left. Bonni and Celia had found their happily ever after on previous trips. That left just her and Fredi to find theirs. Ava had gradually become so disappointed in the male species over the years it had been hard not to just give up on finding her true love. But no. Those were quitter thoughts and she refused to let go of her dreams. Ava would never, ever let herself think otherwise. She knew the man of her dreams was out there. One day, somewhere, somehow, she would find him. Now, if that wasn’t a country song in the making, she didn’t know what was. Country music was all about storytelling, and telling love stories was one of its favorite things to do. Whether it was swearing to always love someone, feeling a slow and steady rush or celebrating still going strong, there was a song for every feeling, every situation. Country music had such a strong romantic flare and Ava loved the heartbreaking tales. She was a sucker for them, even though she invariably cried. And Nashville! It was the heart and soul of country music. Ava squinted and looked at the city below. Not long now until touchdown. She was meeting Fredi on the curb outside Baggage Claim, since it was the easiest point of connection without Fredi having to park. Her friend was driving up from Florida, saying she needed the time away from her job as a wedding-dress designer. “Endless hours in the car is my peace,” she’d insisted. Out of the four of them, she and Fredi were the most opposite. Ava chose to give people the benefit of the doubt and to see the good in them, while Fredi took a more cynical view of life. Ava sighed and sat back in the seat, letting the sun bathe across her face. The plane banked sharply, the light turning to shade, and she heard the wheels come down. Touchdown was easy, the taxi to the gate uneventful, and disembarking the plane was the typical shuffle down the aisle. She pulled her phone out of her purse, went to the group chat with her friends and typed, Nashville, I am in you. Then she skirted a family who had stopped at the end of the jetway, trying to organize their screaming kids. Ava’s long legs took her swiftly through the crowd that was dawdling along. She had on sneakers instead of her preferred heels so she could fly through the crowd easily, teamed with flattering skinny jeans and a butter-cream-yellow blouse. She flipped her hair over her shoulder, wishing she’d tied its thick auburn mass up into a bun. Her skin felt coated with sweat and grime and she was eager to shower to get the airplane cooties off her once they arrived at the hotel. Ava was a bit of a clean freak. No, she wasn’t a germaphobe, but she did her best to avoid any while using public transportation. A flight attendant had told her once to always wipe down her seat and tray-table before departure and she had taken the advice to heart ever since. More than once she’d gotten sick after flying, and the last thing she wanted was to come down with airplane crud while on this trip. In addition to her purse, all she had packed was a carry-on so, after weaving through the crowd, she waited patiently by a pillar near the doors to the kiss-and-fly pick-up. Her phone buzzed and she read the message. Fredi was just driving into Arrivals. Ava rushed outside and watched for her. She looked over the heads of the people standing around her and smiled when a candy-apple-red Volkswagen Beetle zipped around the other cars and into the Arrivals area. Ava raised her hand and stepped off the curb. Fredi screeched to a halt, the sound echoing off the walls. The back hatch popped up and Ava fired in her carry-on, slammed the hatch shut and climbed into the front seat. “Ava! It’s so good to see you, girl,” Fredi greeted her while looking in the rear-view and side mirrors, waiting for a break before bursting back into the traffic, blaring the horn. “Thanks so much for picking me up. It sure beats taking a taxi to the hotel.” Ava settled in the seat and put her huge satchel, which carried everything she could possibly need, between her knees on the floor. “You know it’s no problem.” She put on the turn signal and instructed Ava, “Hang on to your hat! This place is a zoo, and I want to get out of here.” Fredi pulled a Mario Andretti, quickly cutting out from between a couple of cars, around a pole that reminded you to watch for pedestrian traffic, and then they were shooting out the other end and away from the airport. “One day, Fredi—one day—you’re going to get in a crash,” Ava told her as she pushed herself harder into the passenger seat, her feet braced on the floor. This reminded her exactly why she wasn’t a fan of driving with Fredi. Fredi huffed. “I can’t stand traffic. People are stupid and don’t know how to drive.” “But you should drive defensively, not aggressively.” Ava hung on to the door handle and gritted her teeth. “I am driving defensively, and look, it worked! We’re free of airport hell.” Fredi leaned into the steering wheel, gripping with both hands. Her gaze was flashing between the mirrors and the road ahead. Ava wondered why she still held so tightly to the wheel, since they were through the traffic. Then again, Fredi had been just as intense a driver back in college as she appeared to be now, whether stuck bumper to bumper or racing down an interstate. “No, you weren’t, you were being aggressive. Other people have places to be, too, you know. Like picking up dinner for their family or maybe taking a kid to ballet. We’re not in any hurry, so what does it hurt to be courteous to other drivers?” Ava said earnestly. “Spare me the sunshiney BS, Ava. I’m the one bringing you to the hotel. Otherwise, you’d been stuck in a germ-filled Uber or a cab.” Fredi cast her a smug glance. Ava said, “You’re right. Even your crazy driving is better than a taxi. Do you know what time Bonni and Celia are getting in?” Ava closed her eyes when Fredi whooshed around a slow driver. “Careful! You’re going to get a ticket.” “Won’t! And they could be at the hotel by now, but I’ve got a feeling they’ll be a little bit later. Landon was in Europe somewhere in a meeting that ran late. He went back to Cali so he could watch Celia’s kids, much to her ex’s displeasure, and, can you believe that man? Still causing all that drama about custody and delaying the court case when, clearly, the kids are better off with Celia and Landon. Anyway, then Celia took the jet to get Bonni from Virginia before they flew here. Tough life, huh?” Fredi said, keeping her gaze fixed on the road ahead. “Flying around in the Bryant corporate jet.” “Well, I don’t think they do it often.” Ava ran her finger along the crease of her jeans, wishing Fredi would be less critical. “But I bet it’s handy being in love with uber-wealthy guys.” However, personally, Ava didn’t care if her future Mr. Right was a billionaire or a handyman. All she wanted was love, devotion and a future with a man who would treasure her and treat her like a princess. Someone she could pour all her love into. He had to be out there, somewhere, didn’t he? “Ha, I bet so, too! But not even the luxury of a private jet would entice me to hitch my wagon to a man’s mule. What’s the point in love and marriage? Just a road to disaster,” Fredi replied cynically. Ava drew in a soft breath and held it; she didn’t believe Fredi’s take on love for a minute. Ava was all about passion, togetherness, love at first sight, being swept off your feet. Fredi designed wedding dresses for a living but was the Romance Scrooge. It was irony in its purest form. Maybe one day Fredi would see the light and open herself up to the universe. Ava let the breath she was holding puff out between her lips and turned to Fredi. “He—the one—has to be out there somewhere, doesn’t he, Fredi? I mean, you see it every day.” Fredi lifted a finger off the steering wheel, somehow making the small gesture imperious, and Ava paused. “I have told you guys many times, I don’t believe in happily ever after. Love is just a word—” “Until two people make it something special!” Ava interrupted her. “No, I don’t believe that. I see these brides happy and miserable and stressed and everything under the sun. They’re all a hot mess from planning a wedding, and how many of their marriages stick?” Fredi shook her head, making her long curls bounce around her shoulders and down her back. “Not many, I’m afraid. So, nope, it ain’t for this chick.” Ava fell silent. She thought so differently than Fredi. Love was everything. How could anyone go through life without love? “Fredi, I want someone to take my wagon. I want a big love. I want to find the man of my dreams.” Ava stared out the window, feeling a surge of sentimentality, and thought about how wonderful it would be to find her soulmate. “Do you think I don’t know that, hun? If I could make it happen for you, I would, but c’mon, there’s a billion people in the world. Even if soulmates were a real thing, the odds of you finding yours among that many people is completely unrealistic. But maybe it’s like when you purposely go shopping because you need that particular dress. You’ll never find it. But when you’re not looking, boom! there it is.” Ava turned to watch Fredi, thinking about her words. “You don’t sound overly optimistic.” Ava couldn’t let herself feel low; it would ruin their weekend. “Listen, if—no, when--I find my tall, dark and handsome, I’ll be shouting it from the rooftops.” “Oh, I know you will. So long as he makes you happy, I’ll be his biggest fan in the world,” Fredi said. Ava felt an inner warmth chasing away her blueness. This is why they had been friends for so long: Fredi’s unshakeable loyalty. “I know it,” Ava replied. “And I also know that you’ll find your other half one day, too.” Fredi rolled her eyes, but said congenially, “So what kind of guy are you looking for these days? The kind who looks mighty fine in a three-piece suit?” Ava closed her eyes and let her dream love conjure up behind her eyelids. “He has dark hair, neatly trimmed, and he’s clean-shaven with bright blue eyes to contrast with his dark hair and eyebrows. He’s well dressed…” Ava hesitated, a bit surprised that the image had begun to fail her. “Blue or white collar?” Fredi asked her. “Oh, in the long run, it really doesn’t matter, but I think there’s nothing sexier than a man in a tux or a well-cut business suit.” “Then why haven’t you found him yet? You work around those tight-ass types all day. You’d think one would catch your attention.” Ava shook her head. “Nope. They’re all either married, players or gay.” “Then where do you think you’re going to find your magical man? Maybe you oughta get out of Nowheresville, Iowa, and move to a bigger city to find him.” “I’ve thought about that. Trust me. But my contract with Edbridge is for another year, minimum. If I leave before then, I owe back the signing bonus, their three per cent matching for the pension and the year-end bonus I’m entitled to. The financials just don’t add up. So I’m staying there for at least another year. Plus, I really like David, he’s a great boss, and if I stay longer, the bonus dollars will go up until—” “Whoa, okay, I get it, calculator brain. You make my head swim, spouting off numbers like that. You got it all, you know? Beauty and brains. It’ll take a damn unicorn of a man to be worthy of you.” Ava was stunned. After all these years, since their first meeting in a college class, it was the first time Fredi had ever expressed a sentiment like that. She was touched beyond words. “If you weren’t driving the car, I’d tackle hug you.” Instead, she reached out and squeezed Fredi’s shoulder. Fredi wasn’t one for showing affection, but she turned and gave Ava a smile. “It’s true. Anyway, there’s probably a load of Nashville suits around, label guys, A&Rs…maybe you’ll find him this weekend.” “Ha! Wouldn’t that be something? Our previous girls’ weekends were certainly lucky for our friends. But you know what? I think you’re right. As long as I’m looking, I’ll never find it so, as of now, I’m no longer looking!” Ava declared triumphantly. She had tried online dating, going to bars, blind dates—practically everything. Maybe it was time to try not trying. Or something like that. “Oh my God! I don’t believe that for a second. You not looking for your dream man is like you trying not to breathe. Fat chance.” Fredi flicked on the turn signal and roared down the highway off ramp. As Ava clutched the door handle again and tried to remember the prayers she had learned long, long ago in Sunday School, she acknowledged that Fredi had a point. When was she ever not looking for love? Her luck in the love department was so, so bad. But this trip would be just the thing to turn her luck around. She just knew it! Copyright © 2018 by Shana Gray. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Publisher.
Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of THE NASHVILLE BET by Shana Gray, we’re giving away a $25 Amazon gift card! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open internationally. One winner will be chosen to receive a $25 Amazon gift card. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Entangled Publishing. Giveaway ends 12/22/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Pure Textuality PR will deliver the winning prize. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Shana GraySHANA GRAY is a hybrid author of contemporary and erotic romances. You can find her works at multiple publishers in including Harlequin Blaze, Headline, Random House, and coming soon with Entangled. Working Girl is available in six languages. She’s also self published. Her stories range from longer full length novels, to scorching quickie novellas. Shana’s passion is to enjoy life! She lives in Ontario, but loves to travel and see the world, be with family, friends and meet new readers. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon
Ten Kisses to Scandal by Vivienne Lorret
Series Misadventures in Matchmaking Series Genre Adult Historical Romance Publisher Avon Books Publication Date December 24, 2018
The Bourne Matrimonial Agency has one rule: Never fall in love with the client. However, they never said anything about kissing a rake…
Briar Bourne’s matchmaking career could be summed up in two words--comic disaster. Unless she can learn about the irresistible forces that draw men and women together, her professional future looks rather bleak. But Briar has an intriguing plan—enlisting London’s most irredeemable rake to teach her everything he knows about attraction. Given his notorious reputation, it’s no surprise that Nicholas Blacklowe, the Earl of Edgemont, requests one thing in exchange for his tutelage. For every lesson, he wants a kiss in return. And what harm could there be in a simple kiss? After all, Briar would never fall for a scoundrel… Nicholas has no romantic notions about love, and no intention of changing his ways. He’s only helping Briar so that she can find the perfect bride for his jilted cousin. Yet Briar is so clever, so curious, so candid—so blasted tempting—that soon, Nicholas can’t stop wondering what it might be like if he was irresistible to her. Ten lessons. Ten kisses. And a million ways to fall hopelessly, scandalously in love. “I’d better stand or else I’ll end up on your lap.” “I wouldn’t mind, love,” Nicholas crooned, patting the tops of his thighs and earning a perturbed glare. Even so, Briar was too intent on her goal and stood, settling her cool, delicate hands on his face. The simple touch of her fingertips, soft and uncertain, stirred a low flame of arousal. “I thought your rule was ‘no hands.’ ” “Hush. I am immersing myself in the full experience,” she whispered as if afraid of breaking the spell. “Besides, it was my rule for you, not for me. Now close your eyes, if you please.” He complied, half humoring her and half curious to see if she would balk and shy away. Yet she lingered, her warm, clean fragrance filling his nostrils and making him think of fresh bed linens, sun-kissed and wind-beaten into a decadent suppleness. He wanted to lie down with that scent, tumble with it, bury himself inside of it. And all this was before he felt the sweet rush of her breath over his lips.
Tour Wide Giveaway!To celebrate the release of TEN KISSES TO SCANDAL by Vivienne Lorret, we’re giving away one paperback copy of How to Forget a Duke! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of How to Forget a Duke by Vivienne Lorret. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 12/21/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copy out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Vivienne LorretUSA Today bestselling author, VIVIENNE LORRET transforms copious amounts of tea into words. She is an Avon author of works including: The Wallflower Wedding Series, The Rakes of Fallow Hall Series, The Season’s Original Series, and the Misadventures in Matchmaking series. For more information on her books, sign up for her newsletter at http://www.vivlorret.net. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon
On the legendary ranch she can now call home, one woman searches for her place in her birth family—and finds so much more . . . Now that she’s completed her engineering degree, Rachel Ford Morgan is trying to find her footing around her birth father and her four brothers. She gets a chance to prove herself when she discovers worrisome fault lines around an abandoned silver mine. But they’re nothing compared to the cowboy who seems determined to shake up her world . . . Cauy Lymond doesn’t take kindly to the woman nosing around his property—especially since she’s a Morgan. He came home just to keep his father’s failing ranch out of their super-wealthy hands. But he soon realizes that Rachel’s skill—and admirable courage—may be the only things that can shore up the old mine that threatens both their futures. Still, it will take pouring all of their blood, sweat, and secrets into saving the land—and ultimately, themselves—to bring their true feelings for each other to the surface . . . The family drama at the Morgan Ranch has intrigued me over this series. The characters are interesting with their strengths and weaknesses, their appealing and irritating habits of nature make them like most of us, thus easy to relate to. The family has faced so many problems over the years, or should I say decades, yet one of the happier events was when they found their little sister, Rachel, again. No, it hasn't been all dancing on the roses to adjust being part of a family Rachel Ford Morgan had no idea existed, but with time and lots of TLC, she is slowly but surely finding her place with the rambunctious crowd that is her biological family. Some of the struggles of that adjustment are shown in this story, and the mix of pain and jubilee Rachel experience aided her way to my heart. Cauy Lymond has faced troubles and heartache in his life from the young age. The difficult relationship with his father drove him from home at the early age of sixteen. He has made a good life for himself, but paid the price dearly, with an accident that scarred him for life, and a divorce that left him skeptical towards love and romance, happiness in general. He is on the quiet side, an introvert, who avoids big crowds and rather lets other people take care of the conversation surrounding him. The connection between Cauy and Rachel is immediate, the attraction somewhat sweet in nature, and their physical chemistry sizzles. They seem so perfect together, like two opposite making one harmonious whole, if they could just communicate better with each other, and trust the raging emotions in their hearts and minds. I enjoyed the story. It is entertaining as it pulled me into the country life; to the troubles and concerns of the rancher's life, to the drama of the families, the neighbors, and unruly guests of the dude ranch. As much as the book is a love story between Rachel and Cauy, it is also a part of the Morgan family saga, that has continued over the series. The whole family is gathered together for the holiday season, and the readers get to witness the progress of their lives and loves. An enjoyable, inspiring, and touching story of families that sticks together and has each other's backs in all the hurdles of life, and in the midst of it all, two broken souls, people who deserve to be loved and cared for maybe more than most, find the home of their hearts within the safe harbor of each other's souls. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Taming Fire
Braving the Heat Book 2
by Leora Gonzales
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Steam
Yoga instructor Louise Pine is the ultimate caretaker. Everyone around her seems to have an emergency, but Lou hasn’t met a fire she couldn’t put out—until she’s faced with the hunky, bossy firefighter who crashes into her own backyard—and her life. No one tells Lou what to do, yet somehow the guy’s take-charge style makes her tingle . . .
Simmer
Phoenix “Nix” Jones is used to calling the shots, whether he’s dealing with his younger siblings or taking on a dangerous blaze. Luckily, the fire at Lou’s is a false alarm. But the heat the fit and feisty woman ignites is far from dying out . . .
Afterglow
As the sparks turn into 5-alarm passion, can two strong-willed people end up engulfed by love—or will they crash and burn?
Chapter 1
“Lou, I think you may have bitten off more than you can chew with this one…” Louise said to herself as she stared into the flames starting to catch fire in her small fire pit. Louise reached for the bag of chocolates on the chair next to her. While unwrapping a morsel, she took in the backyard that had become her oasis these last two weeks. Now that Junior was living with her, she couldn’t catch up on her shows in the evening. She was afraid of him walking in and getting an eyeful of zombies. The poor kid had enough on his plate without adding flesh-eating walkers to his bedtime worries. That meant that she had been sneaking into the backyard after his bedtime and lighting a small fire as she sipped, or gulped if she had to be honest, a bottle of wine. Swirling her sweet red wine in her glass, Louise leaned back in her patio chair. The familiar squeak of the old metal base was comforting as she tried to shake off the day’s stresses. Her yard was the perfect size for the house. A small wooden deck came off the backdoor with a staircase that flowed down into the yard where her fire pit was centered. Mismatched patio chairs, aka garage sale finds, circled the pavers surrounding the pit, and a tall wooden privacy fence surrounded the entire yard. It was cozy and perfect and all hers. Louise washed the chocolate down with the rest of her wine, smacking her lips at the deliciousness of the combination. Using her fireplace poker, she stoked the fire a bit before propping her feet up at the edge of the stones to absorb the warmth. Even though it was early October, they had already had a few cold days in Larryville this year. The fire, combined with the leaves rustling from the crisp breeze, made her wish for spiced cider and Halloween movies. It was perfect…until she heard the sirens. Sirens that sounded like they were getting closer and closer to her house at the end of her block. Was there a fire next door? Louise tried to turn a bit in her chair to peer over the fence, but she couldn’t see anything besides darkness. The neighborhood had only one streetlight, and most of the other houses on the block were unlit. Her neighbors usually weren’t outside much once it cooled down in autumn, which meant quiet nights for Lou by the fire. Louise worried for a moment that Harold, her elderly neighbor, may have hurt himself and made a 911 call. Relaxing, she remembered that Harold’s daughter had picked him up for a trip to an out-of-town family reunion for the weekend. Sending up a silent prayer that the sirens wouldn’t wake Junior, Louise refilled her wine glass, pouring all the way to the rim. Carefully holding the glass as steadily as possible, she was just getting ready to sip the excess off the top when a huge crash knocked down her back gate. The large wooden door fell haphazardly onto her mismatched potted plants that edged the walkway into the backyard. Startled by the noise, she jerked her hand, sloshing over half of the red wine out of the glass and down the front of her white robe. “Mother—” Louise yelped as she tried to figure out what was going on. Firefighters streamed into her yard, stumbling over the now broken and knocked down wooden gate. Hauling gear that she had no idea the purpose of, they stopped and stared at her as she sat next to her cozy little fire pit. “What the he—” One of the firefighters scratched his chin under the fastening on his helmet strap as he looked around the backyard. Louise stood up, somewhat unsteadily, clutching her wet robe closed. “What’s going on? Why did you break down my gate? Can you turn off that siren?” she demanded, rapidly firing her questions at the group of men still standing around staring at her. When no answers were given, she snapped her fingers to get their attention and raised her voice. “What’s going on?” Louise held out the hand still holding her glass and pointed at the gate, “I sure as hell hope you guys plan on fixing that!” The big guy in front jerked his head toward another fireman. The action must have been some unspoken command since the other fireman immediately spoke into his walkie-talkie, “Cut the siren.” “Ma’am.” The man who had been leading the charge on her poor defenseless gate stepped forward and pointed at her fire. “We received a call from this residence saying there was a fire at the back of the house.” Louise gestured to the pit as if she were explaining it to a person hard of hearing. “Of course there is. I have a fire pit.” “We can see that—” He moved closer to her. “Is that blood? Are you injured?” Not waiting for her to answer, the man walked right up to her and opened the front of her robe. A robe that was covering her pajamas. Pajamas that consisted of a thin tight tank top and some booty shorts that had seen better days. Whipping open the front of her robe, he looked for a reason the entire front of her body would be covered in red. Using large but gentle hands, the mystery man probed her chest, his hands sweeping over her now hard nipples. “You’re not hurt.” His voice husky, the firefighter pulled her robe closed, making sure not to let the men behind him see what he had uncovered. “Wait, did you say that you received a call from this residence?” Louise asked in a hushed whisper now that her small street was once again quiet. “Yes, ma’am.” The man nodded before taking off his helmet and sending her a crooked smile. Louise felt her mouth go dry at the sight of the gorgeous man in front of her. Damn. Firefighters were apparently the stuff that calendars were made of if this guy was anything to go by. The sight of his dark wavy hair and twinkling eyes was almost enough to distract her from what he had said. Almost, but not enough. “Junior,” Louise said quickly, before rushing up the deck stairs and through the back door.
Leora Gonzales is an original Kansas girl who misses the Sunflower State every day. She spends time reading, writing . . . and making sure her two kids don’t kill themselves or each other. She's addicted to tattoos, good food, good company—and finding lots of reasons to laugh or smile every day.
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The Earl I Ruined by Scarlett Peckham
Series Secrets of Charlotte Street Book Two Genre Adult Historical Romance Publisher Independent Publication Date December 11, 2018
She’s beautiful, rich, and reckless…
When Lady Constance Stonewell accidentally ruins the Earl of Apthorp’s entire future with her gossip column, she does what any honorable young lady must: offer her hand in marriage. Or, at the very least, stage a whirlwind fake engagement to repair his reputation. Never mind that it means spending a month with the dullest man in England. Or the fact that he disapproves of everything she holds dear. He’s supposedly the most boring politician in the House of Lords... Julian Haywood, the Earl of Apthorp, is on the cusp of finally proving himself to be the man he’s always wanted to be when his future is destroyed in a single afternoon. When the woman he’s secretly in love with confesses she’s at fault, it isn’t just his life that is shattered: it’s his heart. They have a month to clear his name and convince society they are madly in love… But when Constance discovers her faux-intended is decidedly more than meets the eye—not to mention adept at shocking forms of wickedness—she finds herself falling for him. There’s only one problem: he can’t forgive her for breaking his heart.
In this scene our heroine awaits our hero in a powdering closet, where she plans to be discovered kissing him to convince their families they are in love.
(It does not go well.) She knew him by his footsteps alone. That precise clipped pace, the moderate thump of a well-kept heel articulated under a (she imagined) slender but finely muscled calf. He never shuffled or stomped. He walked the way he did everything: elegantly. She reached out from behind the closet door and grabbed him. Perhaps with too much force, for he came careening toward her in a half stumble and nearly crushed her against the shelves. “What are you doing?” he gasped, bracing against the shelf above her head to find his balance. The closet was small, just big enough for two adults to stand in. It was lined with wig stands and jars of powder and smelled heavy, like starch and milled soaps. And now, like the woody, balsam scent of whatever Apthorp used to oil his hair. “Waiting impatiently to be discovered weeping in the wig closet by my future husband,” she said irritably. “Who is four minutes late.” “May I ask why you are in the wig closet?” “Because wig closets are just the improbable, tucked-away kinds of places that young lovers go when they wish to steal a moment of privacy to offer each other comfort outside of the prying eyes of their extended families.” He glanced at her face in the shadows. “You appear decidedly dry-eyed.” “Can you please get on with it?” “Pardon?” “Hurry. When we’re discovered, you can’t be freshening up your peruke. Kiss me.” He inched backward into a stack of smocks. “Absolutely not.” “Must I do everything?” She latched on to his shoulders so that he could not escape and, before she could lose her nerve, planted her lips on his. She had not taken the initiative to kiss anyone since that first fumbling attempt on Apthorp all those years ago—and it was harder than it looked to do it properly, without accidentally eating someone’s nose or clacking into his jaw with one’s forehead. She felt like a mole nosing in the dark for a berry on a bush just slightly out of reach. Under her fumbling lips Apthorp went completely rigid. She stood up on her toes, trying to get better purchase. He yanked his head out of her reach. “My God, what are you doing?” “Kissing you. My brother will come looking for us at any moment. We must be locked in a passionate embrace.” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, his eyes flashing with some emotion she couldn’t place. “You know, Constance, you really must learn to ask permission.” He must really learn to stop lecturing her, but now was not the time to press the issue. “Please just kiss me.” It was imperative that when Archer found them, they be engaged in something more convincing than a discussion of the etiquette of courtship. Apthorp stared at her, as if debating something in his mind. “Constance, may I kiss you?” he asked in an official, courtly tone, like he was modeling correct behavior on which she might be tested later. “Obviously.” Gently, he took a hand and tipped her mouth up to his. Gently, he put his lips to hers. Given what she knew about the secret ways he spent his time, this pretension to gentlemanly delicacy was rather laughable. And they did not have time for it. She snatched his head in her hands and mashed her face to his, trying to mount a more persuasive display of ardor before anyone witnessed this chaste, practically nonexistent peck. She felt a rumble beneath her hands. His shoulders were shaking. With laughter. She gasped and pushed him back. His shoulders hit the shelves, causing a wooden wig stand to fall onto a sack of lavender-scented powder, which erupted in a cloud that itched her nose. She immediately fell into a coughing fit so violent that, half-weeping with laughter, he pounded at her back. “You cow,” she said through gasps. “Because of you, we will both suffocate.” He stilled, clearly trying to restrain his mirth. “I’m sorry.” “What is so unbearably humorous?” “The fact that you are mauling me in the powdering room.” “I was not mauling you. I was evincing passion.” His lip quirked up. “In my experience,” he said softly, “that’s not how passion works.” “No? It works by tiny mincing nibbles at my lower lip?” “It builds. Lovers have to get to get a feel for one another.” “Sounds dreadfully dull.” He stared at her lips for a beat too long, then glanced up into her eyes. “I assure you, Constance, it isn’t.” She wanted to be angry at him, but she could not fail to notice that his eyes no longer held the ire they’d borne when he’d looked upon her yesterday. His gaze was earnest. Like he wanted her to understand something that was important to him. She found herself at a loss for a response. Because for the first time, she was connecting the rumors about this man and his salacious nocturnal predilections to the person whose eyes lingered on her face rather more kindly than she’d have expected of a hell-raking letch, yet with a knowledge in them that made her shiver. “Haven’t you ever been properly kissed?” he asked softly. She stuck out her chin, embarrassed to admit that she was far less bold in her private behaviors than the devil-take-it portrait she liked to affect in public. “Of course I have.” He bit his lip. “Not by anyone who knew how to do it properly, apparently.” Kobo | Barnes & Noble | iBooks
Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of THE EARL I RUINED by Scarlett Peckham, we’re giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to internationally. One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Scarlett Peckham. Giveaway ends 12/24/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Limit one entry per reader. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Scarlett PeckhamSCARLETT PECKHAM is a four-time Golden Heart® finalist in Historical Romance who writes steamy stories about alpha heroines. Her Secrets of Charlotte Street series follows the members of Georgian London’s most discreet – and illicit – private club with lush writing, historical detail, a feminist worldview and a light touch of kink. Scarlett lives in Los Angeles and when not reading or writing romance she enjoys drinking immoderate quantities of white wine, watching The Real Housewives, and dressing her cat in bowtie. Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon
Title: THE RENEGADE
Series: The Rockwell Legacy Author: Jennifer Bernard Genre: Contemporary Romance Release: December 4, 2018
The last thing she expected was a billionaire under the mistletoe …
As a trauma surgeon, Isabelle Rockwell has devoted her life to helping others. Her life is too crazy for romance…despite a powerful attraction to a stranger during an unexpected layover in Italy. But there’s no time to obsess over the mystery man. Recurring dreams of her mother are calling her home to the family lodge, where a surprise guest is staying for the holidays—who else but her airport hottie! Battling a takeover, billionaire Lyle Guero has been asked by his board of directors to lay low. What better place than Rocky Peak Lodge, his latest silent investment, home to the woman who’s haunted his thoughts since Rome? Independent, fascinating, equally career-focused, she’s the perfect temporary distraction. But he didn’t count on the holiday spirit, the zany Rockwell family, or the danger lurking in the snowy shadows of the Cascades. How far will two renegade hearts go for a chance at love? Lyle gestured at the trail ahead. “Race you back to the lodge?” Isabelle waved a ski pole in the air. “Wait wait wait. Normally I live for a race, but we haven’t settled anything yet.” “Fine, let the negotiations begin.” He leaned on his own poles. “That’s why I came out here. Jake said you’re at your most relaxed when skiing. I might disagree with that, but I only have that one night to go by.” Even though Isabelle’s skin was still bronzed from her time in the Sudan, he noticed a quick wash of color on the delicate skin of her neck. Good. The attraction on her side was still there, no matter how much she tried to squash it. “I…I mean…like I said, it doesn’t matter anymore. We’re two grownups. We should be able to get along just fine. All I really want is to know why you’re here.” “And if it has anything to do with you.” He finished that thought for her. She turned an even deeper red. “I’m sure it doesn’t. Why would it? Our thing was months ago, I barely even remember it and I’m sure it was just a blip on your radar, and—” “I already told you, I remember all of it.” He did. It was seared into his soul, every minute they’d spent together. Not just the nearly naked parts, but the talking and laughing and flirting. She hadn’t known who he really was, and probably wouldn’t have cared. Isabelle was driven, passionate, but also loose and relaxed after her break from the intensity of her work. He’d been drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Or maybe a bug-zapper. Still was. But tell her that? Probably not a good idea, judging by her wariness. He could tell her part of the truth, and that would have to do. “I’m in the midst of a business crisis. It’s getting ugly, so the board asked me to step down while the lawyers work things out. We’re trying to keep it out of the press. I came here to finalize the funds for Rocky Peak and Jake suggested I stay for a while to experience what I was investing in. Seemed like the perfect way to lie low. So here I am.” “So it’s just business, then? Nothing personal?” “If you Googled me, you know my reputation. It’s always business.” A sense of sadness washed through him as he said those words. Since the age of seventeen, he’d been working to become a success. That left no room for anything “personal.” Sexual, yes. But not personal. And the fact that ‘sexual’ and ‘personal’ could be two separate things was part of the problem. Isabelle studied him, almost as if she could tell the direction of his thoughts. “Your reputation is that you’re a renegade who plays by his own rules. Is that true?” “Careful. If you ask me too many questions like that, I might think you want to get to know me.” She gave a mock-shudder. “God forbid. Like I need another billionaire in my life. They’re a pain in the ass, those guys.” “Well then, you’ll be glad to know I’m de-billionaired at the moment.” “De-billionaired?” “Yes. For now. Long story.” “Hm.” She glanced down at his skis. “At least you managed to snag a hot pair of G3’s before you became de-billionaired.” He looked down at them too. “Yeah, they’re fast. Almost too fast. The edges—” He realized she was gone, her trim figure skiing fast in the direction of Rocky Peak. “Race you to the lodge!” she yelled over her shoulder. “Lowest trick in the book,” he called back as he worked to get his skis moving. “Oh, I have plenty lower than that. Three brothers, remember.” In a minute, he was hot on her trail. He was physically very fit—he’d earned his first money in the boxing ring—but Isabelle was a born skier. So he gave up trying to pass her and simply enjoyed the sight of her graceful motion and round ass in her snow pants. Come to think of it, had they actually “settled” anything? They hadn’t, and that was fine with him. Because when it came to Isabelle, he didn’t plan to settle. He wanted more than that. Which would probably scare the ski pants off her and therefore would remain his own private business. Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play About Jennifer BernardJennifer Bernard is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. Her books have been called "an irresistible reading experience" full of "quick wit and sizzling love scenes." A graduate of Harvard and former news promo producer, she left big city life in Los Angeles for true love in Alaska, where she now lives with her husband and stepdaughters. She still hasn't adjusted to the cold, so most often she can be found cuddling with her laptop and a cup of tea. No stranger to book success, she also writes erotic novellas under a naughty secret name that she's happy to share with the curious. Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads With no memory, who can she trust? A deadly Christmas in Wrangler’s Corner Robin Hardy survived an explosion in her university lab—but her memories are gone. With danger lurking behind every Christmas tree, she needs shelter from the attackers she can’t identify. She’ll trust fellow professor Toby Potter to safely hide her away. But when his secrets come between them, the truth could mean the difference between life and death this holiday season. Non-stop, vehement, and fierce action, constant danger, and deadly consequences kept me on the edge throughout the story. The web of mystery is a muddled mess, the clues are few and far in-between, the law enforcement is scraping their resources to keep Robin alive, to let her heal so her memory would return, and then to bring some light into the chaotic, lethal case in their hands. The story is hard to put down once you start it, the clueless atmosphere, the deadly peril, the tension between Robin and Toby, are all aspects that kept my interest high. Even though the story has the main focus on the intense suspense, the growing romance between Robin and Toby was believable, because of their previous status as close friends. Even though there was tension caused by the revealed secrets and lies, it was palpable how much they cared for each other, despite the fact that Robin could not remember him or their friendship prior to the explosion. The struggle and growth they both go through, the guilt from the past, the forgiveness, and redemption is as evident as their growing attraction and need to protect each other. The explosive crescendo towards the end, the reveal of the bad guys, and their motives hits hard, fast, and deep bringing some surprises despite the hints given throughout the tale. I enjoyed this fastpaced story and the ferocious action and suspense. It is entertaining and engrossing, it is sweet and touching, and it's edgy. The characters from the previous stories in the series are present in many of the scenes, and at times I felt a bit overwhelmed with the number of people marching through the pages while the hunt for the culprits was at its most intense. If you love stories that deliver heart-stoppingly thrilling suspense and clean, sweet romance, where a family is at the center of the tale, and faith in God is assumed notion, if not much talked about, you are going to enjoy the Holiday Amnesia, as well as the other intensely entertaining books of the Wrangler's Corner series. ~ Four Spoons
When desire gets this hot, you’d better buckle up… Mary Daniels doesn’t let anything get in the way of her job acquiring rare artifacts for her wealthy boss. But this particular obstacle—huge, hard-muscled, unashamedly masculine—is impossible to ignore. Stuck in a cramped car with Brodie Crews for hours en route to their new assignment, Mary feels her carefully crafted persona—and her trademark self-control—is slipping, and she won’t allow it. Brodie can’t imagine what secret in Mary’s past has left her so buttoned-up, though he’d dearly love to find out. Maybe then she’d trust him enough to explore their explosive chemistry. But he needs this job, so he’ll play by her rules and bide his time…until an enemy determined to outwit them strikes and he needs to get close—in every way—to protect her. Otherwise they could lose much more than a precious collectible. They could lose it all. With the witty and smart bantering dialog, that had me laughing out loud several times, the story enticed me and pulled me into the dangerous world of the rich and quirky people with their odd collections. Mary is holding on to her image as a tight-lipped, distant, introvert person, to keep the secrets from her past hidden, and to never experience the kind excruciating attention she got while living with her mom. But Brodie Crews is challenging everything Mary is trying to portray, the way she is trying to do her job, and most of all, he is making her feel again, the kind of feelings Mary was sure she would never experience. Brodie is macho, bossy and purposive. He knows what he wants when he wants it and is not shy about going after it. His family is everything to him, and he would do anything to protect the ones he loves. It was easy to like Brodie, especially when he turned to Mary, and fell utterly, helplessly, hopelessly in love with her. The heat is high. The zizzle between Mary and Brodie is a special kind of hot. Brodie sweeps Mary off her feet while Mary seduces Brodie with just a smile. I loved the chemistry between them, enjoyed the ribbing and teasing, the feelings they had growing for each other. Mary's struggles with intimacy and letting people into her life are real. She has to work on trusting the circle of people surrounding her. It just warmed my heart to see her flourish and grow within. The escalating danger that brings on deadly action, all wrapped around Mary and Brodie's job, was an intense plus to the fastly entertaining tale. The frame of the story might be a traditional one for the romance genre, but the author tells it in a fresh and delightful way that held my interest, enjoying each moment of the tale. A very promising start for the new series! Can't wait for more to come... ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side Lori Foster is a New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author. She has received the Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy and for Contemporary Romance; Amazon’s top-selling romance title for Too Much Temptation; Amazon’s Top Ten editors’ picks in romance for Causing Havoc; Waldenbooks’ second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance for Say No To Joe; BGI group’s “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance for the The Secret Life of Bryan, “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” for Jude’s Law, and “Bestselling Romantic Suspense” for Back in Black; Plus Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance for Servant: The Acceptance. Lori has been featured as a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle, and the USA Today “Quick Cross” puzzle. To give back to the community, Lori does an annual “benefit” book where all advance and royalties go to a charity She also hosts the annual “Reader & Author Get Together,” facilitating major interaction between readers, authors, and industry professionals while also donating all proceeds from raffles to local charities.
Christmas in Smithville
The Hometown Series Book 4
by Kirsten Fullmer
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Even though Gloria is determined to change her reputation, most of the women in town still think she’s a tramp. Sure, she may have dressed a little flashy and dated pretty much every single guy in town, but that’s the past. Now that she wants to make a fresh start, will Smithville give her a second chance?
Ned has heard all the gossip, but being the Sheriff’s Deputy, he sees all the kind things Gloria does behind the scenes for the folks of Smithville. It looks like the upcoming Christmas Pageant will offer him the opportunity to spend time with her, but can he overcome a frustrating stutter and talk to her, face to face?
Your favorite characters from the Hometown Series bring craziness, love, and Smithville Christmas style, to a whole new romance about overcoming your past and sharing your deepest secrets. Fall in love and be swept away with the Christmas Eve celebration of your dreams.
“Then I just had to wr—wrap the baby up and hand her to her mother,” Ned said as he dropped his paint roller in the bucket of hot water.
Gloria stared at him, her eyes wide in fascination. “I can’t believe you delivered a baby by the side of the road. I don’t think I could have—” “Sure you could,” he said with a shrug. “When the time comes and work needs doing, folks like us st—step up.” Unsure, she scoffed. “Well, baking a casserole is one thing, but—” Ned reached out to take her paint roller. “Yeah, okay, the baby was kind of a big deal,” he conceded, “Usually, I just end up learning w—way more about people than I want to know.” “I understand that.” Gloria nodded. “Given my past, I know—” She stopped, realizing what she was saying. “Of course, I’ve forgotten all about those guys...” She faltered, her words fading away and her cheeks burning red under her freckles. Ned’s laughter rang out into the workshop. “Oh, I’m sure you don’t know which guys in town burp at the table, who is connected at the hip to their momma, or who snores—” The words chopped off and it was his turn to blush. “I… I d—didn’t mean… I—I w—wasn’t…” His stutter always got much worse when he was upset. Frustrated, he stopped talking and turned back to the water bucket. “Don’t be embarrassed,” Gloria said, feeling bad for him. “It’s true though, especially with your job. What do you do when you meet someone on the street, and you know intimate details about their personal life?” She waited, but he just pumped the paint rollers up and down in the water, so she tried again. “I’m asking for advice, honest. Do they train you on this stuff at the police academy?” He shrugged, then straightened and shoved one hand in the front pocket of his jeans. “Well we have to t—take ethics classes, but…” he looked up, making eye contact, “no, they don’t tell you that stuff. You just h—have to act like you weren’t at their house two n—nights ago with the fire chief, helping them get their hand unstuck from the k—kitchen drain they were trying to fix.” Her eyes widened, and she chuckled in surprise. “Who? No, no don’t tell me.” He shook his head; his hand raised to stop her. “I wouldn’t,” he said, but his eyes were bright with humor. “It’s a th—thing you have to learn to do I guess. I know you’re g—good at it, I’ve seen you in action.” She shrugged modestly. “Oh, well, I just try to put myself in their place.” They were both quiet for a minute, contemplating all the dirt they’d collectively compiled on the people of Smithville. “Yeah, ” she continued with a sparkle in her eye. “Because if I were a great big guy, I wouldn’t want everyone to know that I scream like a little girl when I see a spider.” Ned’s eyebrows rose, and a big grin spread across his face. “Now I have to wonder…” “It will go with me to the grave,” she assured him, looking solemn. But she couldn’t help it and broke into laughter. “Oh my gosh, it was the funniest thing. I thought he was going to run away, but he kept screaming for me to ‘get it’. Of course, I was far too busy laughing and taking video.” He chuckled, enjoying the way her eyes shone when she was happy. Her laughter was like music, and her cheeks turned rosy with happiness. His own heart swelled, catching him off guard. “You’re a mean one, aren’t you,” he teased. “Me?” she asked, with her hand on her chest. “No, no, I finally took pity on him and smashed the bug.” “Well that’s good,” he said, wishing he could make her laugh like that all the time. “Anyway…” she trailed off, “I better get moving. I have a ton of sewing to do.” “I wish I could help you with th—that,” he said, collecting the butcher paper he’d spread for them to paint. “But I have no idea how to even thread a needle.” Her head tilted to one side. “I doubt that.” “Okay, okay,” he relented, crumpling the paper to stuff it in the trashcan. “I can thread a n—needle, but choir robes and sh—shepherd costumes are way beyond my scope.” She waved him off. “Oh, these are pretty simple. I figure they’re for one night and no one will really see them up close.” “True.” “Except…” He waited for her to continue, watching her think, wishing he could hear what was on her mind. “Well, it’s just,” She chuckled. “Practically every family in town has someone in this thing, so I guess in reality, everyone will see them up close.” “Right?” he laughed. “I wonder sometimes, who is going to watch this thing.” “Me too!” she agreed. “We may need to set up a bus service to bring folks from Uniontown.” He rubbed his chin. “Not a bad idea.” She chuckled, reveling in the shared moment, then turned away, looking for her purse. “Well, I’d better get going.” “Thanks for the help,” he said, wishing he knew how to make her stay. “ Do you have to go?” The question froze Gloria in her tracks. Normally at this point, if a gorgeous man was being funny and sweet and she liked him, she’d stay and talk. And not only that, she amended, she’d sign up for more. But things were different now. She was different. She wasn’t doing any of this to get a man, and, truth be told, she wouldn’t know what to do with one at this point anyway. She wanted to prove to the women in town she didn’t need to flirt, and that she could do a job and do it well, without attracting male attention. She frowned. That wasn’t going so well evidently. Was she attracted to Ned? Turning back toward the shop, she regarded him carefully. He had a swipe of red paint across one cheek, but that only made him more approachable. The man was a knock out no matter how you looked at him. The paint spear made him cute. Shocked by her appraisal, her eyebrows lifted. When was the last time she’d thought a grown man was cute? Especially one with a physique like the deputy. He grew uncomfortable under her stare, and she realized she was being rude. “I really do have to go,” her words said, but the rest of her said, “I want to stay.” He was easy to talk to and friendly. He didn’t judge her. He was nice. It came to her then; she had a friend in Ned. They had some things in common, and they could have a laugh together. Given her situation, a friend was something she needed. Gaging her words carefully, she hoped she could make him understand how much she appreciated him. “I really do have to go, but this has been… this has been great.” He looked so disappointed that she nearly relented, but she knew it was for the best. This pageant was not the time or place to be looking for a new boyfriend. And she was sure she didn’t want to ruin the budding friendship they’d forged. This was new territory, and she had to move carefully and use her head. “I have to go.” She turned toward the door, then, with her hand on the door handle, she stopped and looked over her shoulder. “But I’ll see you tomorrow night at practice, right?” For a minute she thought he wasn’t going to respond, but finally he nodded, and an easy grin lit his face. “Sure.” All she could manage was a quick nod, and then she ducked out the door before she could change her mind.
Kirsten grew up in the Western US and graduated from high school in 1984. She married soon there after and quickly built a family. With three young children and number four on the way, she returned to college in 1992. Her career as a draftsman included many settings ranging from a steel fabrication shops to prestigious engineering firms. Balancing family life with the workplace forced her to become the queen of multitasking. In 2001, bored with the cubical life, she moved on to teach drafting in technical college, then to opening her own consulting firm teaching 3D engineering software. Due to health problems, Kirsten retired in 2012 to travel with her husband for his job. She now works writing romance novels and enjoys spoiling her three grandchildren. Since 2017 Kirsten has lived and worked full time in a 40' travel trailer with her husband and her little dog Bingo.
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The Duke That I Marry by Cathy Maxwell
Series The Spinster Heiresses Series Genre Adult Historical Romance Publisher Avon Books Publication Date November 27, 2018
Once upon a time there were three young ladies who, despite their fortunes, had been on the marriage mart a bit too long. They were known as “the Spinster Heiresses” . . .
Is it wrong for a woman to want more? Not if she is a Spinster Heiress. They do not settle. Any young miss would be very lucky to find herself promised to a man like the Duke of Camberly. However, Miss Willa Reverly has watched her friends marry for love. Camberly may be the prize of the season, but she will not be “sold” to any man. She wants his devotion or she wants nothing at all. When is a Marriage of Convenience inconvenient? Newly named to the ducal title, Matthew Addison is determined to discover the secrets behind Mayfield, the bankrupt estate he has inherited. He doesn’t have time to coddle a headstrong heiress who is determined to ditch him over something as silly as “love.” Little does he know that his questions will place her in jeopardy. Now he must do what he must to save them both. Could it be that in running from danger they might be racing headlong into a truly unexpected fate: falling in love? Her arms came around his neck. She stood on her toes. He picked her up and carried her to the bed. His fingers began working her lacings. Her hands slid inside his jacket, pushing it down over his shoulders. Dear God, he wanted this. He’d had her warmth beside him in bed but it had taken all his willpower to give her the time she needed to heal. Matt lowered his arms, and his jacket slid to the floor. He pulled Willa down onto the bed beside him. He kissed her chin, her cheek, her nose, and her sweet ears before finding her mouth again. She laughed as if it tickled, and the sound made his heart grow fuller, the beat stronger. She loved him. He’d always thought true love was full of drama and turmoil. It wasn’t. Love was the sense that he was right where he was supposed to be. That at last, he’d found his home.
Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of THE DUKE THAT I MARRY by Cathy Maxwell, we’re giving away one paperback copy of If ever I Should Love You! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of If Ever I Should Love You by Cathy Maxwell. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 10/10/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Cathy MaxwellCATHY MAXWELL spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, “Why do people fall in love?” It remains for her the great mystery of life and the secret to happiness. Fans can contact Cathy at www.cathymaxwell.com; Twitter: @maxwellcathy Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon
The Duke Changes Everything by Christy Carlyle
Series The Duke's Den (Each story is a standalone.) Genre Adult Historical Romance Publisher Avon Books Publication Date November 27, 2018
In the first novel in Christy Carlyle’s sizzling Duke’s Den series, three men, intent on making a fortune, discover irresistible opportunities . . .
Nicholas Lyon gambled his way into a fortune and ownership of the most opulent, notorious gentlemen’s club in England. But when Nick’s cruel brother dies, he inherits a title he never wanted. The sooner Nick is rid of the estate that has always haunted him, the sooner he can return to the life he’s built in London. But there’s one obstacle—the exquisite Thomasina Thorne. When the new heir to the Tremayne dukedom suddenly appears in Mina Thorne’s life, she’s flustered. Not only is he breathtakingly handsome, but he’s also determined to take away her home and position as steward of the Enderley estate. If Mina learns what makes the enigmatic duke tick, perhaps she can change his mind — as long as she doesn’t get too close to him. With each day Nick spends with Mina, his resolve weakens as their colliding wills lead to explosive desire. Could she be the one woman who can help him finally bury the ghosts of his past? Nick looked at the dark drop of honey on her skin and his mouth watered. He licked his lips and looked into her eyes. The heat there made him want more. More moments like this with her. When there was no Enderley boxing them in, no duties that needed their attention. Just Mina and the odd, undeniable spark he’d felt between them from the day he arrived. “I’d like a taste,” he told her quietly. Mina bit her lip, and her brows dipped in concentration. She locked her gaze on his mouth and seemed to hold her breath as she slid a honeyed finger across his lower lip. Nick swept his tongue out to taste and reached for her hand. Flavor burst inside his mouth in a shock of floral sweetness. “Delicious,” he whispered before leaning closer, flicking his tongue out, and tasting the tip of her finger once more. “But I honestly can’t tell whether it’s you or the honey.”
About Christy CarlyleFueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author CHRISTY CARLYLE writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there’s nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon
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